RNA interference pathway genes as tools for targeted genetic interference

Abstract

Genes involved in double-stranded RNA interference (RNAi pathway genes) are identified and used to investigate the RNAi pathway. The genes and their products are also useful for modulating RNAi pathway activity.

1. A substantially pure polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes under high stringency conditions of hybridization at 68° C. in 5×SSC/5× Denhardt solution/1.0% SDS, followed by washing in 0.1×SSC/0.1% SDS at 68° C. to a complement of the nucleic acid molecule set forth as SEQ ID NO:2, wherein the polypeptide mediates RNA interference (RNAi). 
     
     
       2. A substantially pure polypeptide fragment comprising amino acids 203 to 1020 of SEQ ID NO:3. 
     
     
       3. A substantially pure protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule set forth as SEQ ID NO:2. 
     
     
       4. A substantially pure protein comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3. 
     
     
       5. The substantially pure polypeptide of  claim 1  wherein the polypetide is encoded by a nucleic acid molecule which can complement an rde-1 mutation. 
     
     
       6. A fusion protein comprising the polypeptide of any one of the preceding claims and a heterologous polypeptide. 
     
     
       7. The fusion protein of  claim 6 , wherein the heterologous polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of an immunoglobulin Fc (IgFc) polypeptide, a lacZ polypeptide, a glutathione S-transferase (GST) polypeptide, a six histidine tag polypeptide and a signal sequence polypeptide.